"If you didn’t grow it, you’ve got to mine it,” says John Jaszczak, Director and Curator of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum in Houghton, Michigan. Since 1838--just after Michigan became a state--geologists and miners have been collecting rock and mineral specimens as the first American Mining Rush began. Since 1855, those specimens were housed at Michigan Technological University, then known as Michigan College of Mines, making it one of the oldest museums not only in Michigan, but the Great Lakes region. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with John about the museum origins and what a visitor can find there.

Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:

The region’s history—from Indigenous use to mining booms to today’s tourism—stems from its globally unique native copper deposit.

“The reason we’re here is because of the geology. And because of copper in particular.”

What began as a teaching collection for Michigan Tech’s School of Mines became a public museum in 1902.

“The collection started in 1885 when the university started offering courses in mineralogy.”

From discovery tales to global expeditions, the museum presents minerals as more than geology.

“Some specimens have scientific stories. Some have personal stories. Some have adventure stories.”

Under ultraviolet light, otherwise ordinary-looking minerals burst into color.

“That’s the part where most people say, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect this.’”

John’s lifelong fascination with minerals led him to volunteer, then direct, the museum alongside his career in physics.

“I started collecting minerals when I was probably five or six years old... and I just loved it.”

From working with scientists around the world to publishing in mineralogical journals, the museum plays an active role in global discovery.

“There's something magical about being the first to describe and name something.”

The Keweenaw’s native copper is on display in museum-quality form that you can’t find anywhere else.

“We have the world’s best specimens of copper. No question about it.”

Resources:

• Visit the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum: https://museum.mtu.edu
• Explore Native Copper in the Keweenaw: https://www.mindat.org/museum-139.html
• Keweenaw National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/kewe/index.htm

Connect With Us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
  Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
  https://nplsf.org/donate

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Dr. John Jaszczak share the rich history of Michigan’s native copper legacy, how the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum became one of the nation’s premier mineral museums, and why its specimens continue to captivate visitors, researchers, and collectors from around the world.

Isle Royale National Park is the Great Lakes Mecca for backpackers. This archipelago of islands is also one of our most remote National Parks so preparing for a visit takes extra planning. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Chris Amidon, Supervisory Park Ranger for Interpretation and Visitor Services. He not only has tips for first-timers, but also has details on some new procedures, particularly when it comes to food storage.

Key Takeaways:

• Planning your experience shapes everything:
  “The first thing we ask is, what type of experience are you looking to have?” From backpacking and boating to lodge stays, your approach determines your transportation and gear.
  
  
• Getting to the island is part of the journey:
  “Part of the Isle Royale experience is the transportation to the island. It’s that extra step that most parks don’t have.”
  
  
• Food storage regulations have changed:
  Starting in 2025, visitors are required to use approved food storage containers due to wildlife activity near camps and harbors.
  
  
• Wildlife sightings are rare but magical:
  “Encountering a moose is a really magical moment and I remember backpacking a trip I did with my daughter... those are the types of experiences that Isle Royale offer just by putting yourself in this remote island setting.”
  
  
• Most of Isle Royale is federally designated wilderness:
  99% of the park is wilderness, meaning motorized equipment is limited—adding to both its preservation and the physical demands of upkeep.
  
  
• The Artist-in-Residence program reveals new perspectives:
  “The Artist-in-Residence Program… that’s kind of my, I would say, my soft spot.” From Shakespearean sonnets to ceramic bark impressions, Chris helps curate a mix of art forms that deepen understanding of the island.
  
  
• Visitation may be low, but the planning is intense:
  Only about 20,000 people visit Isle Royale each year—and most come during just three months—putting pressure on resources and requiring detailed planning.

Resources:

• Isle Royale National Park – Plan your visit
  https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm
  
  
• Ranger III Ferry & Seaplane Info –
  https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/directions.htm
  
  
• Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Program –
  https://www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/artist-in-residence.htm
  
  

Connect With Us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
  
  
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
  
  
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
  Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
  
  
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
  https://nplsf.org/donate
  
  

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Chris Amidon share essential guidance for visitors, the inside story on Artist-in-Residence selections, and the quiet power of a sunrise over Feltman Lake.

Minnesota’s North Shore has been a gathering place for centuries. Whether heading into the Boundary Waters or out on Lake Superior, Grand Marais ranks a favorite Base Camp. While it may be small in population, it’s big in spirit. Life here moves to the rhythms of the woods and waters.

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sarah Jorgensen-Halberg, longtime resident and owner of Java Moose, the beloved shoreline coffee shop that fuels both locals and visiting adventurers. Her daily weather video connects folks near and far to this Sweetwater Sea town and she shares what it means to live on the edge of wilderness—and how the lake’s powerful sense of place keeps people coming back to Grand Marais.

Key Takeaways:

• Grand Marais transforms seasonally: A town of about 1,300 full-time residents swells to around 50,000 in the summer, driven by tourism to the lake, North Shore, and nearby wilderness areas.
  
  
• Local entrepreneurship fuels connection: Java Moose, run by Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg and her family, offers not just coffee but a community space for stories, weather reports, and visitor conversations.
  
  
• Lake Superior demands respect: The lake’s 34-degree waters and strong currents can be dangerous. Sarah emphasizes safety and awareness for all visitors, especially near the lighthouse.
  
  
• Winter brings peace and beauty: After the busy season, Grand Marais quiets down. Sarah loves cross-country skiing, hiking, and the sunshine of winter — despite the freezing temperatures.
  
  
• Tourism is vital to the economy: Sarah says plainly, “We would not survive without it.” Much of the local economy depends on seasonal visitors to national parks and the shoreline.

Notable Quotes:

• “I love winter. I cross-country ski a lot. I run in the winter. I get out and I hike a lot. Part of it is probably because it's quieter.”
  
  
• “It is imperative to be as safe as we possibly can be.”
  
  
• “Grand Marais and Lake Superior, it almost forces you to take that moment, right? Because it is so vast and powerful, that you just kind of stop for a moment and you're inspired.”
  
  
• “We pour ourselves out. I see that when you come into our shop, this is an extension of my home, so I'm hosting you.”
  
  
• “At the end of the day, we are welcoming you into our home.”

Resources:

• Java Moose Grand Marais – Find Sarah’s daily weather reports on:
  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/javamoosegrandmarais/ & Facebook: Jhttps://www.facebook.com/javamoosegrandmarais/
• Java Moose Website & Newsletter – Sign up for monthly stories and photos:
  https://javamoosegrandmarais.com
• Visit Cook County – Plan your trip: https://www.visitcookcounty.com

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more at https://cafeimports.com
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org/donate